Locating Your Milgard's "Born Date"

One of the cleverest features of Milgard windows is there "born date" identifier, which can save you an enormous amount of time and hassle when you're in the need having your window serviced.

So where do you locate Milgard's "born date"?

Easy. You can locate it between the panes of glass on your window, typically towards the top. This information identifies that window, which can be use to determine the all specifc components used to make that window. That makes replacements or repairs accurate to that specific window.

How To Get A Door Machined To Your Opening

One of the best ways to save money on a door is to have it machined to your opening, which means that it is made to match the specifics of your door. Typically, people don't order a machined door for one main reason, it can be very involved. It normally takes a specialist to call out all the details to correctly order a door. We've made it easy to make sense of it. In fact, email me and I'll send you a easy-to-fill form. Caution: Machined doors can be an ideal way to order but they do have limitations. Not all doors are available to be machined. Read more here.

1. Measure width of door, edge to edge.

2. Measure height of door, edge to edge.

3. Measure from top of door to top of top hinge.

4. Measure from top of door to top of middle hinge.

5. Measure from top of door to top of bottom hinge.

6. Measure size of hinge.

7. Measure from top of door to middle of door handle. (Depending on lock you may have 2 points A &B. Typically interior doors have 1 point, just use A. Exterior doors may have two, both A & B)

8. Measure from edge of door to center of key hole.

What Makes A Window Energy Efficient

In reviewing the requirements of the 2009 stimulus tax credit, I decided that I would list the features specifically at work that achieve the requirements necessary. It is combined that these elements lower both the U-value and SGHC value.

1. Contemporary Frame Material
Typically this achieved with a vinyl or fiberglass frame that reduces the heat transfer and performs as a better insulating frame compare to an aluminum frame or old wood windows.

2. Low-emissivity Glass A.K.A Low-E Glass
Most windows will come standard with a standard level of Low-E coating. This coating reflects infrared light and harmful ultraviolet light. Together, it keeps your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and protects fading to occur on your furniture. However, in order to qualify for the 2009 tax credit, it will typically require you to upgrade to a higher level of coating. Each manufacturer has a different name for it but the highest level of coating but asking for Low-E 366 normally qualifies you for the tax credit.

3. Dual Panes Or More
Again, most windows produce today are dual pane, two layers of glass space slightly apart. Whether it is only empty space or filled with a gas, both out perform single pane windows. Adding gases, for example argon, will add an additional layer of insulation and lowers your U-value and SGHC which increases the performance level of the window.

4. Injecting Gases Between Panes Of Glass
The two common gases used to fill the space of a window are argon and krypton gas. These odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases are typically upgrades but they act as an invisible third barrier between the two panes of glass.

5. Warm Edge Technology
A warm edge spacer is basically the material between the panes of glass that sets the correct distance apart and more importantly reduce condensation. They come in various forms (steel, foam, fiberglass) with various performance levels. The highest levels, though, slow the rate at which gases dissipate that has been injected between the panes of glass.

Homeowners $1500 Tax Credit For Newly Installed Energy Efficient Windows and Doors

The introduction of the 2009 Stimulus Bill has given homeowners the opportunity to have high performing energy efficient windows and doors and earn up to $1,500 in tax credits.

The requirements to take advantage of this offer are as followed:
New windows must have a 0.30 U-Factor (Value) or less and a 0.30 SHGC to qualify.
The tax credit is 30% of cost to replace windows up to $1,500.

So for example let's say you spend $2,000 you'll receive a tax credit of $600, spend $4,000 you'll receive $1,200, spend $6,000 you recieve the full $1,500 tax credit. This tax credit is available from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Make sure you keep your records that the windows meet the requirements. Each window should have a NFRC label indicating the particular rating of that window (see my previous post on how to read the NRFC label).

The NFRC Label--Determing Energy Performance Levels

In 2005 the National Fenestration Rating Council adopted a new rating label to inform customers on the energy performance of a product.
You can find these labels on your new windows but what they represent is often difficult to decipher. But note, manufactures are not required to use them. I suggest you stick with manufacture that participate to guarantee the level of efficiency you need.
I'm going to give an overview on 4 of the NFRC ratings and what that means regarding performance.

U-Factor Rating

This rating, along with the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating, play a major role in determining the energy performance of a window. In fact, it is these two ratings that will determine what qualifies for the home improvement stimulus package tax credit. This tax credit is available to anyone who abides by the requirements and earn up to 30% of the project or up to $1500. Email me to find out about the details if your interested.

The U-factor measure how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U-factor, the better it insulates the home.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Rating

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating measures how much heat from the sun is being blocked. The lower the rating, the less heat that comes in the house. Basically, this measure how well the window performs in relation to the outside elements.